The use of computers in music education in South West Africa

Abstract

THE USE OF COMPUTERS IN MUSIC EDUCATION IN SOUTH WEST AFRICA ZOHOVj Ashley Mark, M. Mus. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1986. This study compared CAT with conventional group-class Instruction to determine the degree of skill proficiency in interval and rhythm dictation obtained by students exposed to the alternate forms of instruction. Forty-three students attending the Windhoek Conservatoire, aged between eleven and fifteen years, volunteered to participate, A modified pre-test/post-test control group design was used. A researcher-built pre-test was administered and students were matched according to interval scores and grade level. Each pair was then randomly assigned to either the experimental (GAI) or the control (teacher) group: Intervals. An inverse assignment of these intact groups was made. The control group now became an experimental group (CAT: Rhythms), while the pre-defined experimental group was treated as its control (teacher: Rhythms), Each student received CAT and group-class instruction for two half-hour sessions per week for six months (14-18 hours of instruction), GAI was administered using the Micro GUIDO Ear Training System, specially adapted by the researcher to suit study at a grade level. Results of the non-parametric tests indicated no difference between E and G groups (p » ,05). Results favouring the E group in interval recognition were obtained (p = ,10). Further, the C group showed a greater proficiency in ability to notate rhythms correctly (p - , 10). No differences were observed in a comparison of sex, age and degree of theory knowledge among students receiving GAI (p " >05), A positive response by students to GAI was Indicated in an attitudinal questionnaire, It was concluded that CAI served as a feasible alternative to conventional instruction but that optimum benefits would be derived if used as an adjunct to conventional instruction.